Amendment to NY law will make it a felony to assault an on-duty prosecutor

ALBANY, N.Y. -- A new state law will make it a felony to assault prosecutors in any attempt to prevent them from doing their jobs.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed the amendment to an existing law to protect traffic enforcement officers, train operators, nurses, firefighters, paramedics and New York City trash haulers that carries tougher consequences for their attackers.

The measure raises assaulting them with intent to cause physical injury from a misdemeanor when they're on duty.

The new provision takes effect in 180 days.

The felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Sponsors say prosecutors can face intimidation, harassment and assault, noting the killing this year of two Texas prosecutors.